ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Science & Technology
Heart Failure Biobank Inauguration to be held on August 5th at Sree Chitra
Heart Failure Biobank Inauguration to be held at Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute For Medical Sciences and Technology on August 5th, 2021. Prof. Balram Bhargava, Secretary DHR and DG, ICMR, will virtually inaugurate the Heart Failure Biobank on Thursday @ 3 PM, along with messages from Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary DST, and Dr. V. K. Saraswat, President of SCTIMST and Member-NITI Aayog.
Heart failure  is emerging as a major health problem in India, with a reported mortality of nearly 60% at 5 years which is higher than many common cancers. Indian patients are younger by 10 years and has more co-morbidities.
There is a need for more research in the field of HF and in this background, ICMR has initiated the National Center for Advanced Research and Excellence in HF,  at SCTIMST with a funding of 5 Crores. One of the major components of the project is the development of the Heart Failure Biobank which is the first in the country. With a fund allocation of 85 Lakhs, state-of-the-art storage facilities are set up in the HF Biobank at SCTIMST.
The principal investigator of the project, Dr. Harikrishnan S said that the storage facilities include -4, -20, -80-degree freezers and a Liquid Nitrogen storage system that can store bio-samples at – 140 degrees for years. Currently, there is a facility to store nearly 25000 biosamples.
The biospecimens include blood, serum, tissue samples obtained during open-heart surgery and peripheral blood mononuclear cells  and genomic DNA collected from heart failure patients. The Biobank activity is supervised by a Technical Advisory Committee with a member from ICMR.
Prof. Ajitkumar VK, Director SCTIMST explained that biobanks are an important resource containing collections of high-quality biological human samples that can be used to understand molecular pathways and to improve the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of Heart Failure.
The bio-specimens are collected after informed consent from patients who are willing to donate specimens. The de-identified samples stored and cataloged will be linked to clinical data such as physiological measures, imaging data like ECG, Echocardiography MRI, and follow-up data. Researchers and clinicians interested in research related to HF can join collaborative research programs with the HF program at SCTIMST. The research proposal has to follow all the ethical guidelines and should be approved by the TAC and Ethics Committee of SCTIMST.
HF Biobank at SCTIMST has already signed an MOU with InStem Bangalore for collaborative research in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, a disease that runs in families with thickening of heart muscles.Please see the below youtube link for live streaming:https://youtu.be/QhqBs82Rfwc
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Ministry of Home Affairs
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah today offered prayers at world-famous Lal Bagh Ka Raja in Mumbai, during Ganeshotsav
Shri Amit Shah also offered prayers at famous Ganpati Pandal in Bandra West area of Mumbai
Union Home Minister later visited residences of Chief Minister, Maharashtra, Shri Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister, Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis to offer prayers to Ganpati Bappa
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah today offered prayers at world-famous Lal Bagh Ka Raja in Mumbai, Maharashtra, during Ganeshotsav.
Shri Amit Shah also offered prayers at famous Ganpati Pandal in Bandra West area of Mumbai. Chief Minister, Maharashtra, Shri Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister, Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis were also preset on the occasion. Union Home Minister later visited residences of Chief Minister, Maharashtra, Shri Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister, Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, to offer prayers to Ganpati Bappa.
Ministry of Defence
Manufacture of Equipment
The Government has taken a decision to put an interim embargo on import of 101 defence weapons/platforms with an intention to promote manufacture by Indian Industries.
In order to provide impetus to self-reliance in defence manufacturing as part of Atmanirbhar Bharat, the Department of Military Affairs  under Ministry of Defence vide their office Memorandum dated 21/08/2020 has issued a negative list of imports comprising of 101 weapon/platforms, alongwith indicative timelines/year of import embargo for these items. The Department of Defence Production  has done capability mapping of DPSUs/OFB/Private Sector for manufacturing 101 items after taking feedback from DPSUs/OFB and private industry associations.
In order to achieve self reliance, the Government has taken various initiatives which, inter-alia, include priority to procure defence items from Indian Vendors as per Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020; simplification of Make Procedure; liberalisation of FDI Policy; launching of SRIJAN Portal to promote indigenization; reforms in offset policy; launch of Innovation for Defence Excellence  scheme; and implementation of ‘Public Procurement ’ Order-2017.
This information was tabled in a written reply by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Shripad Naik to a question asked by Shri Jagdambika Pal in Lok Sabha today.
ABB/Nampi/KA/DK/Savvy
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Ministry of Railways
500 Mail Express trains speeded up, 130 services  converted to Superfast category in new All India Railway Time Table
Railways released its new “Trains At A Glance ” effective from 1st October, 2022
Punctuality of Indian Railways for Mail Express trains during the year 2022-23 is about 84%
The Ministry of Railways released its new All India Railway Time Table known as “TRAINS AT A GLANCE ” effective from 1st October, 2022. The new Trains at a Glance is also available w.e.f. 1st October, 2022 on Indian Railways’ official website i.e. www.indianrailways.gov.in. 
In new time table, about 500 Mail Express trains have been speeded up. The speeding up of trains is between 10 minutes - 70 minutes. In addition, 130 services  have been speeded up by converting to Superfast category.
Overall the average speed of all trains has increased by about 5% leading to availability of nearly 5% additional paths for operation of more trains.
The punctuality of Indian Railways for Mail Express trains during the year 2022-23 is about 84% which is about 9% more than the punctuality of about 75% achieved during 2019-20.
Other highlights of the new time table can be seen at https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1863836
Ministry of Science & Technology
Scientists pave way for potential new therapy for tongue cancer
A new therapy for tongue cancer could be in the offing, with a team of scientists at the Department of Biotechnology’s Hyderabad-based Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics coming out with a new insight into the mechanism by which an anti-cancer protein helps in the development of cancer when it mutates.
Human cells carry a protein called p53. It is very helpful as it controls several fundamental processes including cell division and repair of damaged DNA. It functions by binding directly to DNA leading to the production of proteins needed for regular cellular functions as well as effectively blocking cancer development.
However, its ability to prevent cancer is significantly compromised, if it mutates. More importantly, recent studies have reported that some specific and common mutated p53 forms even activate cancer growth.
In a new study, scientists at CDFD have identified rare p53 mutant forms unique to Indian tongue cancer and the likely means by which these mutant p53 cause cancer. For this, they collected tongue cancer samples from post-surgery patients and screened them for modifications in a gene called TP53. The gene is a sequence of nucleotides  in the DNA that code for the production of the p53 protein.
Further, by using state of the art technologies, they identified target genes of the mutant p53 protein. Of these, a gene called SMARCD1 was the most prominent. SMARCD1 encodes a protein that along with several other proteins constitutes a multi-protein complex involved in changing the structure of DNA enabling the production of proteins from genes. Surprisingly, the scientists found that SMARCD1 was an exclusive target of mutations observed in Indian tongue cancer patients. Further studies showed the ability of SMARCD1 to increase cancerous features in tongue cancer cells.
Notably, this is the first time that SMARCD1 has been shown to be a possible driver of any form of cancer. The leader of the study team, Dr. M.D. Bashyam of the Laboratory of Molecular Oncology at the Centre said, “The observations made in this study assume significance since they reveal a new and probable mechanism by which mutant p53 proteins encourage cancer development. The results of the study can be employed to develop therapies to treat tongue cancer, a common debilitating cancer in India”.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Swayampurna Goem - Farm Sector Interventions by NABARD in times of COVID-19
Low cost polyhouses project by NABARD- Goa
Goa | 10.12.2020
COVID-19 pandemic has caused reverse migration in the State as many people, especially youth of Goa were left jobless and Goa with its tourism centric service sector economy, was no exception. Low cost polyhouses project initiated by NABARD came handy as it ensured livelihood opportunities for jobless youth and SHG members. 10 such nurseries were sanctioned by NABARD to
Agricultural Technology Management Agency  covering five blocks of the State.
Ms. Usha Ramesh, General Manager / OiC, Goa RO, Shri Vasant Savardekar, DGM and Shri Sushil Naik, DDM visited a few nurseries. Shri Dilip Paranjape, Project Director, ATMA and the Zonal Agriculture Officers of Pernem & Bardez Blocks coordinated the visit. Interaction with farmers revealed that the first cycle during the festive season of Dussehera and Diwali was very remunerative and with the logistics support of ATMA, they were to take up the nursery activities on an ongoing basis.
This unique livelihood project has helped attract youth to Agriculture and has provided them with livelihood options. The concept of Swayampurna Goem has been realized in the true sense as earlier the seedlings used to be sourced from Maharashtra and sold at double the prevailing price. The project has demonstrated the benefits of Farm Sector Interventions in times of COVID-19 through a project which can be replicated all over.
VK/PK
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Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
India continues on its path of high testing: more than 8 lakh tests/day for 2nd day in a row
Tests Per Million  continue to rise, cross 23,002 while positivity remains stable at around 8%
Keeping the focus on “TEST, TRACK AND TREAT” strategy, India has tested more than 8 lakh COVID-19 samples for the 2nd consecutive day in a row. With a strong resolve to rapidly increase the number of tests done per day to touch 10 lakh/day testing capacity, 8,01,518 samples were tested in the last 24 hours.
The cumulative testing as on date has reached 3,17,42,782. The Tests Per Million too have seen a sharp rise to 23,002.
It is only by aggressive testing that positive cases can be identified, their contacts tracked and isolated as well as prompt treatment can be ensured through timely medical care. The sustained level of high testing has played a key role in India’s increasing rate of recovery, widening gap between the recovered and active cases, and also progressively declining fatality rate.
India followed the track of a graded and evolving strategy, steadily strengthening its nationwide network of labs in the public and private sectors. Starting from one lab in January 2020, today 1486 labs dot the country; 975 labs in the government sector and 511 in the private sector. These include:
• Real-Time RT PCR based testing labs: 762 
• TrueNat based testing labs: 607 
• CBNAAT based testing labs: 117 
For all authentic & updated information on COVID-19 related technical issues, guidelines & advisories please regularly visit: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/ and @MoHFW_INDIA.
Technical queries related to COVID-19 may be sent to technicalquery.covid19[at]gov[dot]in and other queries on ncov2019[at]gov[dot]in and @CovidIndiaSeva .
In case of any queries on COVID-19, please call at the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare helpline no.: +91-11-23978046 or 1075 . List of helpline numbers of States/UTs on COVID-19 is also available at https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/coronvavirushelplinenumber.pdf .
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Ministry of Culture
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An expert committee has been set up for conducting holistic study of origin and evolution of Indian culture-Culture Minister
An expert committee has been set up for conducting holistic study of origin and evolution of Indian culture to since 12000 years before present and its interface with other cultures of the world.
The members of the committee are:
- Shri K.N. Dikshit, Chairman, Indian Archaeological Society, New Delhi and former Joint Director General, Archaeological Survey of India;
- Dr. R.S. Bisht, former Joint Director General, Archaeological Survey of India;
- Dr B.R. Mani, former Director General, National Museum, New Delhi and former Additional Director General, Archaeological Survey of India;
- Prof. SantoshShukla, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi;
- Dr. Ramesh Kumar Pandey, Vice Chancellor, ShriLal Bahadur Shastri Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeeth, New Delhi;
- Prof. MakkhanLal, Director, Delhi Institute of Heritage Management,, Vivekananda International Foundation, New Delhi;
- Dr. G.N. Srivastava, former Additional Director General, GSI;
- Justice Dr. Mukundkam Sharma, Chancellor, Lal Bahadur Shastri Sanskrit Vidyapeeth, Delhi and former Judge of Supreme Court of India;
- Prof. P.N. Shastri, Vice Chancellor, Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan, New Delhi;
- Prof. R.C. Sharma, Head, Department of Linguistics, University of Delhi;
- Prof. K.K. Mishra, Dean, Anthropology, University of Hyderabad and former Director, Anthropological Survey of India;
- Dr. BalramShukla, Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi;
- Prof. Azad Kaushik, Scientist and International Thinker, Canada;
- Pt. M.R. Sharma, Chairman, “Sangmarg” World Brahmin Federation, India, New Delhi;
- Representative from Ministry of Culture; and
- Representative from Archaeological Survey of India.
This information was given by the Minister of State  of Culture and Tourism, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel in a written reply in the LokSabha today.
Ministry of Defence
People of Chennai Make Defexpo-2018 a Grand Success
The 10th edition of Defexpo India, a biennial exhibition on Land, Naval and Internal Homeland Security Systems, held from 11 to 14 April 2018 at Thiruvidanthai in Kancheepuram district on the East Coast Road near Chennai, concludes today.
Governor of Tamil Nadu Shri Banwarilal Purohit presided over the closing ceremony, which was also attended by Secretary  Dr Ajay Kumar, Chairman and Managing Director Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, Shri T Suvarna Raju, Additional Secretary  Shri Subhash Chandra and District Collector of Kanchipuram Shri P Ponniah.
Speaking on the occasion, the Governor congratulated the Ministry of Defence for having successfully organised the DefExpo India – 2018 at Thiruvidanthai attracting large number of Indian and foreign exhibitors. He also mentioned that the occasion added flavour to the celebrations as it coincides with Tamil New Year and also with 127th birth anniversary of Babasaheb Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, the principle architect of our Constitution. Shri Purohit also thanked the people of Chennai and neighbouring areas for playing host and volunteers who have partnered and contributed to the success of the exhibition.
On the concluding day, very large crowd turned up to DefExpo India – 2018 making the event a grand success. Enthusiasm was also evident among organised groups from schools and colleges and visiting youth who were curious and showing keen interest in defence technology.
On the sidelines of the DefExpo India – 2018, indigenously designed and built Indian Naval Ships Sahydari - a stealth frigate, Kamorta - anti submarine warfare corvette, Sumitra - a naval advanced offshore patrol vessel, Airavat - an amphibious ship and Kirch - a missile corvette were kept ‘Open to Visitors’ at Chennai Port for the first time in the history of DefExpo from 13 to 15 April 2018. The ships visit witnessed overwhelming response from the citizenry of Chennai and adjoining districts.
The DefExpo witnessed four-days of hectic activities with underlined theme of ‘India: The Emerging Defence Manufacturing Hub’ showcasing India’s capability in export of defence systems and components. More than 670 exhibitors, including over 150 international exhibitors took part in the event. The MSME sector had representation this time around 15 per cent. An event of this scale was made feasible by the wholehearted support of people and various service agencies, including hotel industry and tour operators, in the host state of Tamil Nadu. The people of Chennai lived up to the reputation of being excellent hosts.
SRR/NAo/ CGR/MK/DK/Rajib
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Prime Minister's Office
PM greets the Nation on Independence Day
PM greets the Nation on Independence Day
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has greeted the Nation on Independence Day.
“स्वतंत्रता दिवस के शुभ अवसर पर सभी देशवासियों को बहुत-बहुत बधाई। जय हिन्द! Independence Day greetings to my fellow Indians. Jai Hind”, the Prime Minister said.
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
ACC approves extension in service to Shri P. K. Sinha as Cabinet Secretary for three months
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved extension in service to
Shri Pradeep Kumar Sinha, IAS  as Cabinet Secretary for a further period of three months beyond 12.06.2019 or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Ministry of Defence
OP SAMUDRA SETU PHASE 2 - INS JALASHWA DEPARTS MALE WITH INDIAN NATIONALS EMBARKED
Indian Naval Ship Jalashwa completed embarkation of 588 Indian citizens on 15 May 20, at the port of Male, Maldives as part of Operation Samudra Setu - the Indian Navy's contribution to India's national effort to bring home our citizens from foreign shores by sea. Her manifest of 588 includes six expectant mothers and 21 children.
Braving rain and winds gusting to 30-40 knots at Male, the ship staff ensured completion of all formalities for the manifested passengers while observing safety and medical protocols at all times. The inclement weather hampered the planned embarkation process requiring various pre-embarkation activities to be done onboard the ship itself.
The ship cast off today morning from Male for Kochi.
Ministry of Defence
REPRESENTATION OF EX-SERVICEMEN IN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS
The existing quota of reservations available for Ex-Servicemen  is as follows:
- Public Sector Banks  and Central Public Sector Undertakings :
- 14.5% in all Direct Recruitment Group ‘C’ Posts.
- 24.5% in all Direct Recruitment Group ‘D’ Posts.

- Central Civil Services & Posts  of Central Government Ministries/ Departments and Central Armed Police Forces :
- 10% in all Direct recruitment posts upto the level of Assistant Commandant in Central Armed Police Forces .
- 10% in all Direct Recruitment Group ‘C’ Posts.
- 20% in all Direct Recruitment Group ‘D’ Posts.
- 100% in Defence Security Corps
Reservation for ESM is against direct recruitment vacancies only, number of which is worked out by the appointing authority, as and when recruitment process is initiated. As per available data, year-wise recruitment of ESMs during last five years, as on 31.12.2021, is as follows:
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Year
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Number of ESMs
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2017
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5638
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2018
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4175
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2019
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2968
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2020
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2584
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2021
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4343
No independent assessment has been done. However, for the purpose of improving number of recruitments of ESMs, advisories have been issued, from time to time, to all concerned Department/CPSUs/Banks/State Governments for conducting special drive to fill up backlog of vacancies reserved for ESM and for adoption of relaxed standards of qualifications for their recruitment. Liaison Officers have also been appointed in various Departments/PSUs/ Banks to ensure implementation of reservation policy for ESM.
Total number of personnel enrolled in the DGR for Resettlement Training/Skill Courses during the last 05 years  is as under:
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Financial Year
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Number of personnel enrolled
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2017-18
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7904
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2018-19
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6463
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2019-20
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6626
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2020-21
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644
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2021-22
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4240
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Total
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25877
Trainees after completion of training/course are not reporting back when they secure a placement, as such these numbers are not being separately maintained. During last five years only one widow of officer was enrolled for Resettlement Training Course and nobody got enrolled from JCOs/OR.
This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt in a written reply to Shri Balubhau Alias Suresh Narayan Dhanorkar and others in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation
12th Statistics Day celebrated on 29th June, 2018
Vice President of India, Shri M Venkaiah Naidu released a commemorative coin of Rs 125 and circulation coin of Rs 5 denomination as a mark of respect to Professor P. C. Mahalanobis on the closing ceremony of his 125th Birth Anniversary at Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata.
Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation and Indian Statistical Institute  jointly celebrated 12th Statistics Day and the closing ceremony of the 125th Birth Anniversary of Prof. P. C. Mahalanobis on 29th June, 2018 at Kolkata.
Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, Vice President of India graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Other dignitaries who participated in the event include Shri D. V. Sadananda Gowda, Union Minister for Statistics & Programme Implementation, Prof. Bratya Basu, Minister of Information Technology and Electronics, Government of West Bengal, Dr. Vijay Kelkar, President, ISI and Prof. Goverdhan Mehta, Chairman, ISI Council.
In recognition of the notable contributions made by Late Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis in the fields of statistics, statistical system and economic planning, Government of India in 2007, has designated 29thJune as the “Statistics Day” in the category of Special Days to be celebrated every year at the National level
On the occasion, Vice President of India released a commemorative coin of Rs 125 and circulation coin of Rs 5 denomination as a mark of respect to Prof. Mahalanobis. The winners of Prof. P.V. Sukhatme Award 2018 and Prof. C.R. Rao Award 2017, were also felicitated for their notable contribution in the field of Statistics.
The objective of celebration of this Day is to create public awareness about the importance of statistics in socio-economic planning and policy formulation, to acknowledge the contribution of Prof. Mahalanobis, and to pay homage to him. Every year, one particular theme of current national importance is selected for focused discussions and efforts throughout the year aimed at bringing about improvements in the selected area. The theme selected for the Statistics Day this year is ‘‘Quality Assurance in Official Statistics’. The theme has been chosen to underscore the importance of compliance with essential parameters of quality in statistical systems and products.
The Indian Statistical Institute  at Kolkata, set up by Prof. Mahalanobis in 1931, and was declared an autonomous “Institute of National Importance” through an act of Parliament in 1959, celebrates 29th June as the “Worker Day”. 29th June, 2017 marked the beginning of the 125th year of birth of Prof. P.C. Mahalanobis. ISI has held year-round celebrations.
Statistics Day Celebrations held throughout the country by the field offices of National Sample Survey Office, State Governments and Universities/Departments by organizing Seminars, Conferences, Debates, Quiz Programmes, Lectures, Essay Competitions, etc.